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Understanding Enzymes in Biology

May 5, 2025

Leaving Cert Biology - Enzymes Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Focus: Enzyme theory, understanding enzymes, and applying this knowledge to exam questions.
  • Objective: Gain confidence in handling exam paper questions related to enzymes.

Metabolism

  • Enzymes are integral to metabolic processes.
  • Metabolism involves chemical reactions within organisms to maintain life.

Sources of Energy

  • Enzymes play a crucial role in energy transformations.
  • Understanding the role of enzymes in energy production is essential.

Features of Enzymes

  • Specificity: Enzymes are specific to substrates they act upon.
  • Efficiency: Catalyze reactions efficiently.
  • Regulation: Enzyme activity is regulated within cells.

Types of Metabolic Pathways

  • Anabolic Pathways: Build complex molecules from simpler ones.
  • Catabolic Pathways: Break down complex molecules to simpler ones.

Catabolic and Anabolic Reactions

  • Catabolic Reactions: Release energy by breaking down molecules.
  • Anabolic Reactions: Consume energy to construct molecules.

Catabolic and Anabolic Enzymes

  • Specific enzymes facilitate both types of reactions.
  • Balanced enzyme activity is crucial for homeostasis.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

  • Temperature: Alters enzyme structure and activity.
  • pH Levels: Each enzyme has an optimal pH.
  • Substrate Concentration: Affects the rate of reaction.

Temperature as a Factor

  • Enzymes have specific temperature ranges for optimal activity.
  • High temperatures can denature enzymes.

Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

  • Extreme pH levels can lead to enzyme denaturation.
  • Optimal pH ensures maximum enzyme activity.

Comparing pH and Temperature

  • Both factors are critical in regulating enzyme activity.

Denatured Enzymes

  • Denaturation: Irreversible loss of enzymatic activity due to structural changes.

Methods of Immobilizing Enzymes

  • Techniques to attach enzymes to materials for repeated use.

Advantages of Immobilized Enzymes

  • Reusability and stability.
  • Easier separation from products.

Uses/Application of Immobilized Enzymes

  • Used in industrial processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The Active Site

  • The region where substrate molecules bind and react.
  • Induced Fit Model: Adjusts to fit the substrate shape.

Induced Fit Model

  • Describes how enzymes work by molding around the substrate.

Recap - Exam Question 2019 Q12

  • Application of enzyme knowledge to past exam questions.

Additional Resources

  • ExamRevision Website: Access video tutorials and resources.
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Conclusion

  • Understanding enzymes is crucial for biology exams.
  • Enzyme activity is influenced by various factors like temperature and pH.
  • Immobilized enzymes offer practical applications in various fields.